MANILA, Philippines — Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos warned Tuesday that illegal drug dealers are using coded emojis and other seemingly harmless content on social media to reach young people and evade detection.
Santos said authorities have found evidence of online drug-related activities, particularly on messaging platforms such as Messenger and Viber, where buyers and sellers allegedly use emojis as codes for various illegal drugs.
His office cited a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration guide that identifies emojis associated with drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana.
“Technically, all social media platforms prohibit the sale of drugs, but teens know how to find a drug dealer on social media,” Santos said.
He said drug dealers can use coded words, images and emojis to advertise illegal drugs while attempting to avoid platform detection systems.
Santos also raised concerns that social media platforms and online games could expose young people to other criminal activities, including nihilistic violent extremist behavior.
He cited recent school shootings in Tacloban City and Zamboanga City as incidents where authorities are examining possible exposure to violent online content.
Santos renewed his support for proposals restricting social media access for children. He backed a proposal to prohibit children aged 14 and below from using social media, while the Senate committee on public information and mass media recently endorsed a bill setting the minimum age at 16.
Santos said the concerns extend beyond drug trafficking to the broader risk of young people being recruited into criminal or violent activities online.